Rains Bring Relief to Region

ATLANTA—Heavy winter rains have broken a three-year pattern of drought in much of the Southeast, while drought conditions still plague the Plains and other parts of the country, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

"A lot of people are breathing a big sigh of relief," said Todd Rasmussen, a University of Georgia hydrologist, who said lakes and rivers that supply frequently drought-ridden Atlanta with water "look good for the next year," and farmers across much of the region should be in good shape.